Diabetes test for pregnant women could be given too late to spot problems
- 08.04.2016
- LesleyHerbertson
- Clinical-negligence, Opinion, Clinical-negligence, Opinion
We note the recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care which concludes that testing for gestational diabetes in pregnant women at 28 weeks may be too late in order to avoid problems with development of the foetus during pregnancy and can lead to stillbirth or possible health issues for the child once born.
Whilst the current guidance for testing is that it should take place between 24 and 28 weeks, it would appear that it is generally being carried out closer to the end of that time period, when there are many advantages to testing at around 24 weeks.
Hopefully the recommendations arising from the study for earlier testing will be properly rolled out and made as effective as possible going forward.
If any relevant tests during pregnancy are left too late, particularly in the context of clear guidelines in respect of the same, that could give rise to a claim in clinical negligence if significant harm to the mother and/or her baby results.